Abstract: The characteristics of source rocks were analyzed for Lower Carboniferous Akeshake Formation in Yi'ning basin, Xinjiang, in the aspects of vertical distribution, richness of organic matter, organic matter type and thermal evolution of organic matter. The source rock of Akeshake Formation exhibits centralized distribution with a great thickness, and its gross thickness is 202.1m, total organic carbon content (TOC) is 1.19%, and kerogen type is Ⅱ₁ with average vitrinite reflectance (R_o) being 1.56%. These data show that the kerogene has evolved into high mature stage, and the lower Carboniferous Akeshake Formation has good hydrocarbon generation conditions. There are good prospects for oil and gas exploration in Yi'ning basin.